On Saturday, June 3, 2017, I had the pleasure of witnessing intense artistry and acoustic sound by Rodrigo y Gabriela. My martial arts home girl, Sherrie and I traveled north by train to the Vic Theatre. The theatre is located in Chicago’s Central Lakeview area. The neighborhood is eclectic with lots of options for entertainment, food, and drinks.

Bustling with energy, the neighborhood scene has everything a girl needs to step away from the quiet of the suburbs. To embrace the city vibe is an understatement. It’s necessary. I settled into a groove like a professional city dweller.

Since arriving early, we ate at El Jardin, a super cute Mexican Restaurant in the heart of the action. For a couple of hours, the patio was a perfect spot to soak up the sun and enjoy tacos, chips, salsa, guacamole, and margaritas. With full bellies and a margarita sort of calm mood, we finished our journey to a 10th-anniversary tour for the records.

Rodrigo y Gabriela and the Vic Theatre were meant to be for the night. The acoustic guitar has deep roots in Latin culture. The Vic Theatre is a five-story vaudeville house that’s perfect for guitarists with super-fast riffs and dazzling rhythms fused with rock beats.

Rodrigo y Gabriela’s guitars are magical and filled with goodness! From the moment the duo hit the stage, fans exploded in excitement. You can say we were just as uplifted as the music pulsating through the venue. The venue carries acoustic sounds to the next level.

Sherrie and I bravely stood in the sound booth for two hours dancing to Rodrigo y Gabriela’s super dope music. I can feel the passion in every note when Gabriela plays percussion on her guitar while Rodrigo plays smooth melodic sounds. Each note tells a story of a perfect pairing of acoustic guitar players.

Listening to sounds from a guitar reminds me to relax, take in positive energy, and listen to my heart. Closing my eyes, hearing notes bounce around takes me to a place of peace. You can say life was peaceful and easy feeling.

Acoustic guitars are life. There is something about the sound that gets me all tingly. I feel my soul reaching for the stars. It’s ok to let go.